Dianthi Fernando

Class of 2019
Added Feb 2022

Conscientious, Empathetic, Introverted, Reliable, Supportive

I graduated from U of T with an English specialist and minor in history. These subjects became my teachables as I pursued my Master of Teaching at OISE. I also had the chance to work at Innis College Residence in various capacities. When I graduated from the MT program in the summer of 2021, I was excited to continue working with the Office of Student Life at Innis as the new Student Life Coordinator. After a couple of years working with Innis students, I transitioned to a new role at the University College Academic Advising & Registrar’s Office as a Front Line Advisor.

Things I am proud of that you won’t see on my résumé

The relationships I have sustained
The students I have supported
The mentors that I have been privileged to work with

Memories I made when I wasn’t studying/working

The boat cruise during Orientation week
Annual trips to the Toronto Islands with my best friend
Innis Formals; escape rooms
ICSS trips to Downey’s Farm and Blue Mountain
Visiting Casa Loma and the National Ballet
Impromptu bonding with my fellow Residence Dons

Things I debated doing but am glad I did

Taking on the responsibility of coordinating my own Residence Life program after only a few months in the field
Working my first job at a financial technology company that had nothing to do with my program of study

“Thank you for applying but…” jobs/positions

Front Desk Staff (thrice)
Residence Don (twice)
Idiom Editorial Board
Inventory Assistant with the U of T Libraries
Camp Counsellor at the University of Toronto Schools
Housing Advisor at UWaterloo
So so many scholarships and awards

Dinosaurs on my to-do list

Learn how to play the guitar
Complete a minor in French
Get to know my professors
Join a U of T dance team

Times when I felt like crying (or literally did)

When I failed my very first midterm
When I felt like I did not adequately support a student
When I felt like colleagues were upset with me
Frustrations with family
Constantly experiencing imposter syndrome

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Quirks that make me who I am

Spontaneously bursting out into dance and off-key singing when no one else is around
Watching hours of television but finding it difficult to commit to one movie
Complete lack of a social media presence
Not liking my food to touch

Things I did to take care of myself

Dance; watch Netflix
Spend time with friends and family
Explore the city
Experimenting in the kitchen
SLEEP

An obstacle I have overcome

Switching programs before my first year. I grew up being told I was going to medical school, studied the sciences all throughout high school, and was accepted to study Life Sciences at U of T. I made the best decision of my life in August before my first year. Going against familial expectations and switching into the Humanities was very difficult, but I ended up being motivated in my learning because I was studying what I loved.

One person I am grateful for during my undergrad journey:

My partner. Meeting him was one of the highlights of my first year and I am thankful every day that we both ended up at Innis. He has been my best friend, supporter, and champion who has made my time at U of T so joyous and memorable.

My sense of belonging at U of T came from…

The students that lived in my House when I was a Don, all three years. These three unique residence communities made me feel part of a supportive team.

Advice I would give to my undergraduate self

There is no singular version of success so just have fun figuring it out on your own!

My Favourite Resources:

www.careernavigator.studentlife.utoronto.ca